Using Cooperative E-Learning Teaching Strategy to Enhance Students’ Creativity in Secondary School Biology: A Study of Selected Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Creativity and innovation are among the key pre-requisites for industrialization. One of the key defining features of the 21st century is the use of information communication technologies (ICTs) in every sphere of life. For Kenya to realize her vision 2030 of transforming to a newly industrialized, middle-income country that provides a high quality life to all citizens by the year 2030, there is need to integrate the use of ICTs in education. This would enhance creativity and innovation and spur industrialization and economic growth. This study investigated the effects of Cooperative E-Learning (CEL) teaching strategy on students’ creativity in biology. Solomon Four Non-Equivalent Control Group design was used. The study involved four County secondary schools in Nauru County and focused on Form Two (second grade in the secondary school cycle) students. Convenience sampling was used to select the four schools. A total of 200 students participated in the study. The instrument that were used in this study a Creativity Achievement Test (CAT). with a reliability coefficient of 0.98. Data generated was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-test. Statistically significant values were accepted at α =0.05. The findings show that the students exposed to CEL teaching strategy were more creative than students exposed to conventional teaching methods. It is concluded that CEL is an effective strategy that can enhance creativity and innovation and should be incorporated in the teaching of school biology and teacher education programs.